Modern Reformer
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  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
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TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU MPYA.--WAZEE.

ELDERS.
(F273).
STUDY VI PART ONE (ELDERS).
ORDER AND DISCIPLINE IN THE NEW CREATION
 
KUJIFUNZA VI Sehemu ya 1
 
TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU MPYA.
 
WAZEE.
 
KWA kuzingatia somo hili ni vema tunaweka wazi mbele ya akili zetu umoja wa Kanisa, na kwamba wakati Kanisa lote ulimwenguni likiwa moja, kwa maana nyingine neno la kila mkusanyiko tofauti, au kampuni, ya waumini ni uwakilishi wa yote. Kila Eklesia tofauti, kwa hivyo, ni kumchukulia Bwana kama kichwa chake, na kuwachukulia mitume kumi na wawili kama nyota kumi na mbili, wenye kung'aa, waalimu, ambao Bwana aliwashika mkononi mwake na kudhibiti - akitumia kama vinywa vyake kwa maagizo ya Kanisa lake katika kila mahali, katika kila mkutano, kwa kizazi chote.
 
Kila kutaniko au Eklesia, hata ikiwa linajumuisha watu wawili au watatu tu - ni kutafuta kutambua mapenzi ya Mkuu kuhusu mambo yote. Ni kuhisi umoja na makanisa wote wapenzi wa "kama imani ya thamani" katika dhabihu ya Mkombozi mpendwa na katika ahadi za Mungu - kila mahali. Ni kufurahi kusikia juu ya ustawi wao, na kutambua ukweli kwamba Bwana, kama msimamizi wa kazi yake, leo, kama katika kila kipindi, atumie vyombo maalum kwa huduma ya Kanisa kwa ujumla, kama vile vile utumie wanachama wengine wa kila kampuni ndogo ya mtaa. Kuangalia hivi kwa Bwana na kugundua tabia ya watumishi atakayotumia- wanyenyekevu, wenye bidii, walioshuhudiwa vyema, waziwazi kwenye Kweli, wakitoa uthibitisho wa upako na umoja wa Roho-wangekuwa tayari kutarajia jumla kama hiyo huduma kwa mahitaji ya Kanisa lote, na kutafuta sehemu ya baraka ya jumla na ugawaji wa "nyama kwa wakati unaofaa" tuliowaahidi na Mwalimu. Watakumbuka haswa, pia, jinsi alivyoahidi baraka maalum katika mwisho wa wakati huu, na kwamba atatoa vitu vipya na vile vile vya zamani kwa familia ya imani kupitia njia sahihi za chaguo lake mwenyewe. Mt. 24: 45-47
 
Njia, njia za baraka hizi, Bwana mwenyewe atasimamia na kuelekeza. Viungo vyote vya mwili vilivyojumuika kwa Mkuu ni kuwa na ujasiri na kutafuta kutimiza ahadi zake; lakini, hata hivyo, ni "kujaribu roho" - kujaribu mafundisho ambayo yanatoka kwa nani. Uthibitisho haimaanishi ukosefu wa ujasiri kwa wale wanaotambuliwa kama njia zilizoelekezwa na Mungu za Ukweli; lakini inaashiria uaminifu kwa Bwana na kwa Kweli kama bora kuliko waalimu wote wa wanadamu na matamshi yao; inamaanisha pia kwamba hawasikilizi sauti ya mwanadamu, lakini kwa sauti ya Mchungaji Mkuu; kwamba wao kula karamu juu ya maneno yake na kuwapenda-wanapenda kutafuna na kuwachimba. Viungo kama hivyo vya mwili hua na nguvu zaidi katika Bwana na kwa nguvu ya uweza wake kuliko wengine, kwa sababu hukiliza zaidi uwongofu na maagizo ya Bwana.
 
Umoja huu wa jumla wa mwili, huruma hii ya jumla, fundisho hili kwa jumla kupitia njia ya jumla ambayo Bwana ametoa kwa mkusanyiko wa vyombo vyake kwake kwa uwepo wake wa pili (Mal. 3:17; Math. 24:31), haingiliani, hata hivyo, kwa utambuzi sahihi wa mpangilio katika kila moja ya kampuni ndogo, au makanisa. Hata hivyo kampuni ndogo, inapaswa kuwa na utaratibu ndani yake. Kwa neno hili "kuagiza" hatuna, hata hivyo, inamaanisha ugumu au utaratibu. Agizo ambalo linafanya kazi vizuri zaidi na ya kuridhisha ni ile inayofanya kazi bila huruma, na ambayo mashine hiyo haionekani. Ikiwa mkutano ni mdogo sana kama tatu au tano au kumi, hata hivyo, inapaswa kuangalia kwa Bwana ili kuhakikisha mwongozo wake ni nani kati ya idadi anayepaswa kutambuliwa kama wazee, wazee, au wale walio juu zaidi kwenye Ukweli, wanaomiliki sifa kadhaa za Mzee kama tulivyokwisha kuziona zimeorodheshwa katika Neno lililopuliziwa - uwazi katika Ukweli, ustadi wa kulifundisha, lawama ya maisha kwa heshima ya tabia, na uwezo wa kuhifadhi mpangilio bila msuguano usio wa lazima, kama inavyoweza kuonyeshwa katika mfano wake. familia, n.k.
 
Ikiwa kampuni hiyo ndogo inao Neno na Roho wa Bwana mbele yao na kuiongoza, matokeo ya hukumu zao za umoja, kama ilivyoonyeshwa katika uchaguzi wa watumishi, inapaswa kukubalika kama akili ya Bwana juu ya mada hiyo - watu waliochaguliwa. kama wazee wangefanya, kwa uwezekano wote, kuwa bora na mzuri zaidi katika idadi. Walakini, utunzaji unahitaji kuzingatiwa kuwa chaguzi kama hizo hazijafanywa bila kufikiria na maombi; kwa hivyo, inashauriwa kwamba tangazo linalostahili kufanywa mapema, na kwamba ikumbukwe kwamba ni wale tu ambao wanadai kuwa washiriki wa Uumbaji Mpya (wa kiume na wa kike) ndio watajaribu kuelezea nia ya Bwana juu ya jambo hilo - kwenye kura. Hizi zinapaswa kuwa kama vile ambavyo vimepitisha hatua ya toba kwa dhambi na urejesho kwa kiwango cha uwezo wao na kukubali dhabihu ya Bwana Yesu kama msingi wa maelewano yao na Mungu, na ambao basi wamejitolea wakfu kwa Bwana, na kwa hivyo wamekuja chini ya upako na marupurupu yote ya "nyumba ya wana." Hizi peke ni uwezo wa kuthamini na kuelezea akili, mapenzi, ya Mkuu wa mwili. Haya pekee ndio yanaunda Kanisa, mwili wa Kristo, ingawa wengine, ambao hawajachukua hatua ya kujitolea, lakini ambao wanaiamini damu hiyo ya thamani, wanaweza kuhesabiwa kama washiriki wa "nyumba ya imani" ambayo maendeleo yao yawe ya inayotarajiwa, na ambayo ustawi wake unazingatiwa.
 
Kuandaa wazee katika Kila Eklesia
"Walipokwisha kuwaweka wazee katika kila kanisa [la Eklesia], na baada ya kusali na kufunga, wakawapongeza kwa Bwana." Matendo 14:23
 
Njia ya taarifa hii, na marejeleo mengine ya mara kwa mara kwa wazee kuhusiana na makanisa yote, inahalalisha sifa ya kwamba hii ilikuwa tabia ya kawaida katika Kanisa la kwanza. Neno "wazee," kama inavyoonekana katika maandishi, ni pamoja na wainjilishaji, wachungaji, waalimu, na manabii (au watoa huduma wa umma); kwa hivyo, ni muhimu tujifunze nini maana ya neno hili "kupangwa." Kwa wakati huu neno hili kwa ujumla linatumika katika kumbukumbu ya sherehe ya ufungaji; lakini hii sio umuhimu wa neno la Kiyunani kirotoneo linalotumiwa katika maandishi haya. Inamaanisha, "kuchagua kwa kunyoosha mkono," bado ni aina ya kawaida ya kupiga kura. Ufafanuzi huu umepewa katika Prof. Young's uchambuzi ya Bibilia Concordance. Kwa kuwa hiyo inaweza kuzingatiwa kama mamlaka ya Presbiterian, tutatoa pia ufafanuzi uliowekwa katika "nguvu ngumu Concordance," ambayo inaweza kuzingatiwa kama mamlaka ya Methodist. Mwisho anafafanua mzizi wa neno - "Mtoaji mkono, au mpiga kura (kwa kuinua mkono)."
 
Neno tofauti kabisa la Uigiriki linatumiwa wakati Bwana wetu alipotangaza juu ya mitume, "Nimekuchagua na kukuteua." (Yohana 15: 16) Hili ndio neno moja, tithemi, lililotumiwa na mtume wakati, akizungumza juu ya uwekaji wake, anasema: "Nimewekwa wakfu na mtume." (1 Tim. 2: 7) Lakini uwekaji huu, mtume anatangaza wazi, "haikuwa ya wanadamu, wala na mwanadamu, bali na Yesu Kristo na Mungu Baba." (Gal. 1: 1) Wote wa washiriki wa Mwili Watiwa-mafuta, wameunganishwa na Kichwa na washiriki wa Roho wake, kwa hivyo wamewekwa wakfu, sio kweli kwa utume kama Paulo, lakini kuwa wahudumu (wahudumu) wa Ukweli, kila mmoja kwa kiwango cha talanta na fursa zake (Isa. 61: 1) - wale kumi na wawili tu waliteuliwa kuwa mitume, au wawakilishi maalum-mabalozi wa mabalozi.
 
Kuhusiana na kuteuliwa au kutambuliwa kwa wazee na kura ya mkutano (Eksia) ya Ubunifu Mpya, kwa "kunyoosha mkono," kama inavyoonekana hapo juu, tunaona kuwa hii ilikuwa kawaida ya kawaida; kwa mtume hutumia neno moja la Kiyunani katika kuelezea jinsi Tito alivyokuwa msaidizi wake. Anasema, "ambaye alichaguliwa pia na makanisa kusafiri pamoja nasi." Maneno yaliyotayarishwa ni kutoka kwa neno la Kiyunani kirotoneo ambalo, kama inavyoonyeshwa hapo juu, linamaanisha "kuchagua kwa kunyoosha mkono." Na, zaidi, neno "pia" hapa linamaanisha kwamba Mtume mwenyewe alichaguliwa na kura kama hiyo. Hajachaguliwa au kuchaguliwa kuwa mtume, lakini kuwa mishonari-mwakilishi wa makanisa kwenye hafla hii, na, bila shaka, kwa gharama zao.
 
Ilionekana, hata hivyo, safari zingine za Mitume zilikuwa bila kura au msaada wa Kanisa la Antiokia. (2 Tim. 1: 15) Maagizo ya Kanisa la kwanza yaliziacha huru kutumia vipaji vyao na uwakili kulingana na dhamiri zao. Makanisa (makutaniko) wangeweza kukubali au kukataa huduma za mitume, hata, kama wawakilishi wao maalum; na mitume waliweza kukubali au kukataa shughuli hizo — kila mmoja kutumia uhuru wake wa dhamiri.
 
Lakini, je! Hakuna uteuzi wa wazee, nk, uliotajwa katika Agano Jipya isipokuwa hii - uchaguzi? Je! Hakuna kitu kinachoashiria kupeana mamlaka au ruhusa ya kuhubiri, kwa kuwa neno la Kiingereza kwa sasa linatumika katika madhehebu yote kuhusiana na leseni na kuweka wazee, wahubiri, nk? Tutachunguza maswali haya.
 
Neno takriban, kwa heshima ya wazee, linatumika katika sehemu nyingine, tu, na ni tafsiri ya neno tofauti la Kiebrania, v.. Kathestemi, ambayo inaashiria- "Kuweka, au kuweka chini" --Young. "Kuweka chini" --nguvu. Neno hili linapatikana katika Tito 1: 5: "Agiza vitu ambavyo vinahitaji, na weka wazee katika kila mji, kama vile nilivyokuteua" -., Kama nilivyopanga. Toleo la Marekebisho, "kama vile nilivyokuamuru." Mbele yake maandishi haya yanaonekana kuashiria kwamba Tito alipewa uwezo wa kuteua wazee hawa, bila kujali matakwa ya makutaniko (makanisa, makanisa); na ni kwa maoni haya kwamba nadharia ya Episcopal ya utaratibu wa kanisa hupumzika. Wakatoliki, Episkopali na Methodisti-Episkopali wote wanadai kwa maaskofu wao mamlaka ya kitume ya kuweka, kuwaweka au kuteua, wazee kwa makutaniko-bila kunyoosha mkono, au kupiga kura ya Kanisa.
 
Maandishi haya ndio ngome ya wazo hili; lakini inaonekana kuwa msaada dhaifu wakati tunapogundua kifungu cha mwisho- "Kama vile nilivyokuamuru" - na onyesha kuwa mtume hakutampa Tito "malipo" au agizo la kufanya tofauti na yale yeye (Mtume) alifanya katika jambo hili. Simulizi la utaratibu wa mtume mwenyewe, lililotafsiri kwa usahihi, ni wazi: "Na walipokuwa wamewachagua kuwa wazee kwa kuonyesha mikono katika kila Eklesia, na walikuwa wameomba kwa kufunga, wakawapongeza kwa Bwana." Matendo 14:23.
 
Hapana shaka kwamba ushauri wa Mtume na ushauri wa Tito, ambaye aliwapongeza haswa kwa ndugu kama mhudumu mwaminifu wa Ukweli, hautapendeza tu, bali alitafutwa na ndugu, na kwa jumla walifuatwa; Walakini, Mtume na wote waliofuata katika hatua zake walitaka kuweka jukumu ambapo Mungu aliiweka - kwenye Eklesia, ambayo wasiwasi wake unapaswa kuwa "Jaribu mizimu [mafundisho na waalimu] ikiwa ni ya Mungu." (1 Yohana 4: 1) "Ikiwa mtu yeyote hasemi kulingana na Neno hili ni kwa sababu hakuna mwangaza ndani yao"; na "kwa vile wageukie mbali," Mtume anashauri; hawapaswi kupiga kura kwa vile, au kwa njia yoyote kuwakubali kama walimu, wazee, nk.
 
Kwa hali yoyote, umoja wa Eklesia utahitajika - iwe umeonyeshwa kwa kura, kama ilivyoelezwa, au la; kwa kudhani kama Tito alikuwa ameweka wazee wasiokubalika kwa akina ndugu, amani ingekua kwa muda gani? -mchungaji kama wangapi au huduma zingine angeweza kufanikiwa na Mzee huyo, anayejulikana na maoni ya Kanisa? Kweli hakuna.
 
Kuhani-ujanja, na sio mafundisho ya Bwana wetu na mitume wake kumi na wawili, ni jukumu la kugawanya watakatifu katika madarasa mawili, inayoitwa "makasisi" na "waumini." Ni roho ya ujanja-ukuhani na mpinga-Kristo ambaye bado anajaribu kuutawala juu ya urithi wa Mungu katika kila njia inayowezekana- sawia na uzio wa ujinga uliopo katika kutaniko lolote. Bwana na Mtume hawatambui wazee, lakini Kanisa (Eklesia) kama mwili wa Kristo; na heshima yoyote au heshima inayopatikana kwa wazee waaminifu, kama watumishi wa Bwana na Kanisa, sio tu kujitambua kwao au kutambuliwa na wazee wengine. Chaguo la kutaniko linapaswa kuwajua, lazima watambue sifa zao za Kikristo na uwezo wao katika nuru ya Neno la Mungu, vinginevyo hawawezi kuwapa msimamo au heshima kama hiyo. Hakuna Mzee, kwa hivyo, ana mamlaka yoyote kwa kujiteua mwenyewe. Kwa kweli, nia ya kupuuza Kanisa, mwili wa Kristo, na kujifanya yeye na uamuzi wake kuwa bora kuliko wote, ni ishara ya kwanza kuwa ndugu kama huyo hayuko katika mtazamo mzuri wa kutambuliwa kama Mzee - unyenyekevu, na utambuzi wa umoja wa Eklesia kama mwili wa Bwana, kuwa ya muhimu kwa huduma kama hiyo.
 
Wala ndugu yeyote asichukue majukumu ya Umma kanisani kama kiongozi, mwakilishi, nk, bila uchaguzi-hata akiwa na hakika kuwa hakuna swali juu ya kukubalika kwake. Njia ya Kimaandiko ya kuweka wazee katika makanisa yote ni kwa uchaguzi wa makutaniko-kwa kunyoosha mkono kwa kura. Kusisitiza uchaguzi kama huo kabla ya kutumikia ni kufuata agizo la Kimaandiko; humtia nguvu Mzee, na, kwa kuongezea, inakumbusha Eklesa juu ya majukumu na majukumu yao kama wazee wa jina la Bwana na roho yake - kama kuelezea chaguo la Mungu, mapenzi ya Mungu. Kwa kuongezea, mpangilio huu wa Kimaandiko unavutia washiriki wa Eklesia katika maneno na matendo yote ya wazee, kama watumishi na wawakilishi wao. Inapingana na wazo lililoenea sana kwamba wazee wanamiliki na kutawala kusanyiko na kukomesha fikira zao juu yao na kusema juu yao kama "watu wangu" - kuliko kuwa "watu wa Bwana ninaowahudumia."
 
Je! Ni kwanini mambo haya hayaeleweki, na ya wazi sana Kimaandiko? Kwa sababu asili ya mwanadamu inafurahi kuwa na heshima na upendeleo, na huanguka katika hali mbaya inayofaa hizi; kwa sababu wamekuwa maarufu kwa karne kumi na saba; kwa sababu watu hujitolea kwa masharti haya na wanapendelea uhuru ambao Kristo hufanya huru. Halafu, pia, wengi wamehisi kuwa na hakika kwamba mila ya Babeli lazima iwe sawa kwamba hawajawahi kusoma Neno la Bwana juu ya somo hili.
 
 
Kipindi cha Uzee
Hakuna kinachosemwa na msukumo kuhusu kipindi ambacho Mzee anapaswa kuchaguliwa: kwa hivyo, tunayo uhuru wa kutumia sababu na uamuzi juu ya swali. Watu wengi wanaweza kuwa wazee wenye sifa nzuri, au ndugu waliokua katika Kanisa, na wanaweza kuwa na msaada na kuthaminiwa sana, na bado wasiwe wa wazee waliochaguliwa waliowekwa na Eklesia kama wawakilishi wao - wainjilishaji, waalimu, wachungaji. "Wanawake wazee" kwa hivyo mara kadhaa hurejelewa kwa heshima na mitume, bila maoni yoyote kwamba yeyote kati yao aliwahi kuchaguliwa kama wazee wa uwakilishi au waalimu katika kutaniko (Eklesia). Wengine waliochaguliwa kuwa wanaofaa kwa huduma ya Eklesia wanaweza kukomesha kuwa na sifa zilizoainishwa; au wengine wanaweza, chini ya uunguzi wa kimungu, kuendelea na ufanisi zaidi kwa huduma ya Kanisa. Mwaka, au mgawanyiko wake - nusu au robo mwaka - ungeonekana kuwa vipindi sahihi kwa huduma kama hizi - mwisho ikiwa watu wangejaribiwa kidogo, zamani ikiwa imejaribu na inajulikana. Kwa kukosekana kwa sheria, au hata ya ushauri au maoni, itakuwa kwa kila kusanyiko kuamua kadri ya uwezo wa mapenzi ya Bwana katika kila kisa.

Idadi ya Wazee
Idadi ya wazee haina kikomo katika maandiko; lakini, kwa sababu inayofaa, mengi yatategemea saizi ya Eklesia, na vile vile kwa nambari inayopatikana-inayofaa, nk (Hakuna anayepaswa kudhaniwa kuwa mwamini na kujitolea kikamilifu; kwa maneno na kitendo alichostahili kupewa ushahidi usio wazi kwa imani yake na kujitolea kwake muda mrefu kabla ya kuchaguliwa kuwa Mzee.) Tunapendelea kuwa na watu wengi ambao wana sifa za ilivyoainishwa, na mgawanyiko wa huduma kati yao. Ikiwa bidii inayofaa inawasukuma, aina fulani ya kazi ya umishonari au ya uinjilishaji itadai baadhi yao, au sehemu za wakati wa wengi. Kila Eklesia inapaswa kuwa seminari ya kitheolojia ambayo walimu bora wangekuwa wakiendelea kwenda kwenye uwanja mpana wa huduma. Mzee ambaye angeonyesha wivu wa wengine na hamu ya kuwazuia kuhudumu inapaswa kuchukuliwa kuwa haifai mwendelezo; lakini, hakuna mtu anayepaswa kuchaguliwa au mvinyo anayestahili kuchaguliwa-kutosheleza ubatili wake. Kanisa, kama washiriki wa mwili wa Kristo, lazima lilipiga kura kwa vile wanaamini Mkuu angefanya wapigie kura.
 
Onyo linapaswa kutolewa dhidi ya kumchagua mzee ambapo hakuna anayepatikana anayefaa kwa huduma hiyo, chini ya sifa zilizowekwa na mitume-bora zaidi hawana wazee kuliko wasio na uwezo. Katika kipindi cha muda, hadi ndugu atakapopatikana anayefaa kwa huduma hiyo, mikutano iwe ya aina isiyo rasmi, na Bibilia kama kitabu cha maandishi na pamoja na Ndugu Russell mwakilishi kama mwalimu katika Masomo na Towers-Mzee wako aliyechaguliwa, ikiwa kwa hivyo pendelea.
 
 
Nani Anaweza kuchagua Wazee na Jinsi?
Wa-Eklesia tu (mwili - wa kiume na wa kike), Viumbe vipya, ni wateule au wapiga kura. "Nyumba ya imani" ya jumla, waumini ambao hawajajiweka wakfu, hawana uhusiano wowote na uchaguzi kama huo; kwa sababu ni chaguo la Bwana, kupitia "mwili" wake, ulio na Roho wake, unaotafutwa. Wote waliowekwa wakfu walipaswa kupiga kura, na yeyote kati yao anaweza kufanya uteuzi katika mkutano mkuu uliowekwa kwa sababu hiyo - ikiwezekana wiki moja kabla ya kupiga kura, ili kuweza kupata wakati wa kuzingatia.
 
Wengine wamesisitiza kwamba kupiga kura inapaswa kuwa kwa kura, ili wote wawe huru zaidi kuelezea uchaguzi wao wa kweli. Tunajibu kuwa faida yoyote iliyo ndani ya hii inashughulikiwa na shida: yaani, katika upotezaji wa nidhamu na muundo wa tabia uliotekelezwa na njia ya kitume ya "kunyoosha mkono." Kila mmoja anapaswa kujifunza kuwa wazi na wazi, lakini, wakati huo huo, mwenye upendo na mpole. Kura, ikumbukwe, ni chaguo la Bwana - lililoonyeshwa na viungo vya mwili wake kwa kiwango cha uwezo wao wa kulitambua. Hakuna mtu aliye na uhuru wa kugharamia jukumu hili, wala kupendelea mmoja zaidi ya mwingine isipokuwa anaamini anao, na kuelezea, akili ya Bwana.
 
Wingi  Haitoshi.
Katika mambo ya kidunia sauti ya wengi huamua; lakini dhahiri haifai kuwa hivyo katika Eklesia ya Bwana, au mwili. Badala yake, kwa kadri inavyowezekana, sheria ya majaji inapaswa kutawala na uamuzi au uamuzi bila kutafutwa utafutwa. Ndugu anayepokea watu wengi katika kura hangeweza kuhisi ni vizuri kukubali kuwa "chaguo la Bwana," kama tu kusanyiko lingeweza. Mgombeaji mwingine anayeweza kupata msaada wa wote, au karibu wote, anapaswa kutafutwa, kwa kura baada ya kura, wiki baada ya wiki, hadi atakapopatikana au jambo lililoachwa; au wacha wote kukubaliana juu ya wawili au watatu au zaidi ambao wanaweza kutumika kwa zamu na hivyo kukidhi maoni ya wote. Lakini ikiwa upendo wa dhati kwa Bwana na Ukweli utatawala, na maombi ya mwongozo na mtazamo wa kupendana kwa heshima, ambapo talanta ziko kwenye usawa, kwa ujumla itakuwa rahisi kuungana katika hukumu inayohusiana na mapenzi ya Mungu juu ya somo. . "Usiruhusu chochote kufanywa kupitia ugomvi au vurugu." "Hifadhi umoja wa Roho katika kifungo cha amani." Phil. 2: 3; Efe. 4: 3
 
Utaratibu huo unapaswa kutekelezwa kwa heshima na uchaguzi wa wasaidizi wanaoitwa mashemasi na mashemasi, ambao sifa nzuri pia inapaswa kuzingatiwa kama sifa. (Angalia 1 Tim. 3: 8-13.) Hizi zinaweza kuwa kwa huduma yoyote inayotakiwa-na zinapaswa kuwa na sifa nyingi za ukuhani iwezekanavyo, pamoja na ustadi katika ufundishaji, na sifa za roho.
 
Aina za waudumu
Kama inavyoonekana tayari, wazee wanaweza kuwa na sifa maalum katika moja au nyingine. Baadhi yao ni bora katika kutia moyo, wengine katika kufundisha, wengine kwa usemi wa hadharani au simulizi, wengine kama wainjilisti, kwa wasioamini wanaovutia, na wengine kama wachungaji wanasimamia kundi kwa jumla kwa maslahi yake mbali mbali, ya ndani au ya jumla. Hotuba ya mtume Paulo kwa wazee wa Eklesia huko Efeso inatupa wigo wa jumla wa huduma ambayo kila mtu lazima abadilishe na kustahili talanta zake kama msimamizi. Maneno yake yanastahili kuzingatiwa kwa uangalifu na kusali kwa wote kukubali huduma ya Mzee katika idara yoyote ya kazi. Alisema: "Kwa hivyo jihadharini wenyewe na kundi lote, ambalo Roho Mtakatifu amekufanya kuwa waangalizi [neno mahali pengine maaskofu waliopotoshwa] kulisha Kanisa [la Eklesia] la Mungu." (Matendo 20:28) Ah, ndio! Wazee wanahitaji kwanza kujiangalia, iwapo heshima ndogo ya msimamo wao inawafanya wajivune na kuwa hodari, na wasije wakutojichukulia mamlaka na heshima ya Mkuu - Mchungaji Mkuu. Kulisha kundi ni mkoa wa Bwana; kama ilivyoandikwa, "Atawalisha kundi lake kama mchungaji." (Isa. 40: 11) Kwa hivyo, wakati mtu anachaguliwa kuwa Mzee ni kwamba anaweza kumwakilisha Mchungaji Mkuu-ili aweze kuwa chombo au njia ambayo Mchungaji mkuu wa kundi anaweza kumtumia "nyama yake" kwa wakati unaofaa, "" vitu vipya na vya zamani. "
 
Ole wao wachungaji [wachungaji] wanaoharibu na kutawanya kondoo wa malisho yangu! Asema Bwana. Kwa sababu hiyo, Bwana, Mungu wa Israeli, asema hivi dhidi ya wachungaji [wachungaji] wanaowalisha watu wangu: Umetawanya kundi langu na kuwafukuza waondolee, wala haujawatembelea; tazama, nitawatazama mabaya ya matendo yenu, asema Bwana .... nitawekea wachungaji juu yao watakaowalisha; hawataogopa tena, wala watashangaa. " Jer. 23: 1,2,4
 
Kuweka juu ya Mikono ya Presbiteri
(1) "Usipuuzie [zawadi] iliyo ndani yako, uliyopewa na unabii [utabiri], na kuwekewa mikono ya wakurugenzi [waliokusanyika wazee]." 1 Tim. 4:14
(2) "Wale [mashemi saba waliochaguliwa na Kanisa] wakawaweka mbele ya mitume: na walipokwisha kusali, waliweka mikono yao juu yao." Matendo 6: 6
(3) "Katika Kanisa [la Eklesia] lililokuwa Antiokia, ... Roho Mtakatifu akasema, Nitenganishe mimi na Barnaba na Sauli kwa kazi ambayo nimewaita. Nao walipokwisha kufunga na kuomba, wakawaweka mikono. , walipeleka. " Matendo 13: 1-3
(4) "Usiweke haraka kwa mtu yeyote, wala usishiriki dhambi za watu wengine." 1 Tim. 5:22
(5) "Na Paulo alipokwisha kuweka mikono yao juu yao, Roho Mtakatifu akaja juu yao; wakazungumza kwa lugha, na wakatabiri." Matendo 19: 6
(6) Kisha wakawaweka [mitume] mikono yao juu yao, na wakapata Roho Mtakatifu. "Mdo 8: 17-19
(7) "Inua zawadi ya Mungu iliyo ndani yako, kwa kuwekewa mikono yangu." 2 Tim. 1: 6
 
Kwa hivyo tulikusanya ushuhuda uliopuliziwa kuhusu kuwekewa mikono katika Eklezia ya Uumbaji Mpya. Katika tatu tatu za mwisho (5,6,7) kumbukumbu ya kupeana kwa "zawadi" ya kawaida katika Kanisa la kwanza inadhihirika. Kwa hivyo mikono ya kitume iliwekwa kwa waumini wote waliowekwa wakfu na zawadi moja au zaidi ikifuatwa- "lugha," nk. "Kiwango cha Roho hupewa kila mtu kufaidi." Maandishi manne ya kwanza (1,2,3,4) yanaweza kuwekwa pamoja kama fundisho moja la jumla; yaani, kama alama ya kupitisha au kufadhili-lakini sio kama ishara ya idhini au idhini.
 
(1) Timotheo, "mwana" aliyemkubali wa Paulo katika huduma, alikuwa amekwisha kubatizwa na tayari alikuwa ameshapokea zawadi ya Roho Mtakatifu mikononi mwa mtume Paulo (ona 7) wakati alienda na Paulo kwenda Yerusalemu. (Matendo 21: 15-19) Bila shaka, hapo na hapo "Yakobo na wazee wote," wazee wa kitume, wakigundua kujitolea kwa Timotheo na ushirika wa karibu na Paulo, walibariki kwa umoja, wakiweka mikono yao juu yake kwa njia ya uchungu; na akaunti inamaanisha kuwa hawakufanya hivyo, sio kulingana na kawaida au kwa wenzi wote wa Paulo, lakini "kwa unabii" - wakithibitisha kwamba waliongozwa kuifanya kwa utabiri fulani na, au maagizo kutoka kwa Bwana.
 
 
(2) Hao mashemasi hawakuamuruwa, au kuidhinishwa kuhubiri, kwa kuwekewa mikono ya mitume, kwani hawakuchaguliwa kuwa wahubiri, lakini kutumikia meza; na, kwa hivyo, tayari, kwa sababu ya upako wao wa Roho Mtakatifu, walikuwa na mamlaka kamili ya kuhubiri kwa kiwango cha talanta zao na fursa. Na bila kutaja leseni yoyote, au ruhusa, au agizo lingine kutoka kwa mtu yeyote, tunapata Stefano, mmoja wa mashemasi hawa, akihubiri kwa bidii hivi kwamba alikuwa wa kwanza baada ya Mwalimu kuziba ushahidi wake na damu yake. Uwekaji huu wa mikono dhahiri ulionyesha idhini ya baraka tu na baraka.
 
(3) Kuweka mikono juu ya Paulo na Barnaba hakuweza kuwa ruhusa ya kuhubiri; kwani walikuwa wametambuliwa kama wazee na walikuwa wakifundisha katika Kanisa la Antiokia kwa zaidi ya mwaka mmoja. Mbali na hilo, wote wawili walikuwa wakihubiri mahali pengine, hapo awali. (Linganisha Matendo 9: 20- 29; 11: 26.) Uwekaji wa mikono kunamaanisha tu uchungu wa kazi ya umishonari karibu kufanywa na Paul na Barnaba- kwamba Antiokia Eklesia walijiunga nao katika utume nao na labda walidanganywa gharama zao.
 
(4) Hapa Mtume anataja kwamba kuwekewa mikono ya Timotheo juu ya mfanyakazi mwenzake katika shamba la mizabibu kunamaanisha idhini yake, au mashtaka: ili ikiwa mtu huyo atatokea vibaya kwa hali yoyote, Timotheo angeshiriki katika demokrasia yake. Lazima, kwa kadiri iwezekanavyo, hakikisha kwamba hakutoa ushawishi wake wa kumtambulisha mtu ambaye angeumiza jeraha la kondoo wa Bwana, iwe ya kiadili au ya kielimu.
 
Hakuna hatari inayopaswa kuendeshwa; tahadhari inapaswa kutumiwa ama katika kutoa barua ya kupendekeza au faraja ya umma kwa njia ya kasi ya umma. Ushauri huo huo bado ni sawa kwa watu wote wa Bwana kulingana na kiwango cha ushawishi wao. Hakuna chochote katika hii, hata hivyo, kilimaanisha kuwa yoyote yalimtegemeana na uchungu wa Timotheo kabla ya kupata haki ya kuhubiri: haki hiyo kulingana na uwezo wa kupeanwa na Bwana kwa wote wanaopokea Roho Mtakatifu wa upako.
 
Huduma Iliyolipwa?
Kitamaduni cha huduma ya kulipwa, ambayo ni ya jumla sana na inayofikiriwa na wengi isiyoweza kuepukika na muhimu, haikuwa matumizi ya Kanisa la kwanza. Bwana wetu na wateule wake kumi na wawili walikuwa, kadiri tunavyoweza kuhukumu kutoka kwa kumbukumbu zilizopuliziwa, masikini - isipokuwa, labda, Yakobo na Yohane na Mathayo. Wamezoea kutoa kwa hiari kwa Walawi, Wayahudi waliongeza matumizi haya kwa kila dini ambayo iliwavutia kama wa Mungu. Wanafunzi walikuwa na mweka hazina wa jumla, Yudasi (Yohana 12: 6; 13:29), na dhahiri hakuwahi kukosa; ijapokuwa ni dhahiri kuwa hawakuomba msaada. Hakuna wazo la aina hiyo linapendekezwa hata katika rekodi ya maneno ya Bwana wetu. Aliamini riziki ya Baba, na wanawake wengine wenye heshima walimhudumia (na wake) kwa wingi wao. Tazama Math. 27: 55,56; Luka 8: 2,3.
 
Laiti mahubiri na mifano ya Bwana yangeingiliana na rufaa ya pesa, ingekuwa samu maisha yao. Hakuna kitu cha kutufurahisha zaidi kuliko udhalili dhahiri wa Mwalimu na wateule wake wote, Yudasi ndiye ubaguzi pekee, na avarice yake ilimugharimu. (Yohana 12: 5,6) Kupenda pesa na maonyesho na mfumo wa kuomba Babeli leo ni mengi dhidi ya ushawishi wake wenye nguvu; na kutokuwepo kwa roho hii kati ya waaminifu wa Bwana sasa, kama wakati wa ujio wa kwanza, inawaambia mengi katika neema yao na wale wanaowasoma kama barua hai, bila kuthamini kabisa mafundisho yao. Kwa njia ya kushangaza sana Bwana ametoa hadi sasa kwa kazi yake ya "kuvuna" bila rufaa moja ya pekee kufanywa kwa pesa; na tunaamini haitawahi kuwa vingine, kwa kuamini kwamba hii ni akili ya Bwana.
 
Wacha wale wanaotamani utajiri wa ulimwengu huu na utajiri watafute katika nyanja za biashara au fani za faida kubwa; lakini mtu asiwe wahudumu wa Injili ya Kristo kutokana na nia nyingine yoyote isipokuwa kupenda Mungu na ukweli wake na ndugu zake: upendo ambao utafurahi katika kutoa sadaka kwa urahisi na utajiri na heshima ya wanadamu - sio kwa masikitiko, lakini kwa moyo wote. Lakini ole! Ukristo wa kawaida umekua mkubwa na wa kidunia, na watumishi wake wanaheshimiwa kwa majina ya Mchungaji, Mchungaji sana, Mchungaji na Daktari wa Uungu; na heshima hizi na vyeo vyake huenda mishahara - sio kulingana na mahitaji ya waziri, lakini kwa msingi wa kibiashara wa uwezo wake wa kuvutia makutaniko makubwa na watu matajiri. Matokeo ya asili yamefuata - "Makuhani wake hufundisha kwa ujira na manabii wake ni waungu kwa pesa; lakini watamtegemea Bwana na kusema, Je! Bwana sio kati yetu? Hakuna mbaya anayeweza kutupata." "Walinzi wake ni vipofu. Wote ni wajinga, wote ni Mbweha, mbwa, hawawezi kuumwa; kuota au kuongea katika usingizi wao; wavivu, wapenda kulala [wepesi]. Ndio, mbwa mbwa wenye tamaa ambao hawawezi kuwa na kutosha; ni wachungaji ambao hawawezi kuelewa: wote hutazama njia zao [za ustawi], kila mmoja kwa faida yake kutoka kwa robo yake [dhehebu]. " "Watajikusanya wenyewe Walimu walio na wasi wasi wasi [kwa sifa za wanadamu]; nao watageuza masikio yao kutoka kwa Kweli na watageuzwa kuwa hadithi." Isa. 56: 10,11; Mika 3:11; Phil. 3: 2; 2 Tim. 4: 3,4
 
Wengine wanaweza kudhani kwamba viwango vyote vya juu vinapaswa kuepukwa - mishahara mikubwa na hakuna mishahara - na wanaweza kukumbuka maneno ya Bwana, "Mfanyakazi anastahili ujira wake;" na maneno ya Mtume, "Ikiwa tumepanda kwako vitu vya kiroho, ni jambo kubwa ikiwa tutavuna vitu vyenu vya mwili?" Walakini lazima tukumbuke kuwa hata taarifa hizi kali za maandiko hazirejelea mishahara ya kifalme, lakini kwa mahitaji yaliyo wazi. Hii Mtume anaonyesha kwa nukuu, "Usimfunge ng'ombe anayepusha nafaka." Ng'ombe alipaswa kuwa huru kutoa mahitaji yake, lakini hakuna zaidi. Mtume ametupa muhtasari wa huduma yake mwenyewe iliyofanikiwa, akisema: "Sitakuwa mzigo kwako; kwa maana mimi si mtafuta wako, lakini wewe .... Na kwa furaha nitatumia na kutumiwa kwa ajili yenu; nakupenda zaidi nitapendwa. " 2 Kor. 12: 14,15
 
Kufuatia nyayo za Yesu hautatuongoza katika mwelekeo wa mishahara: wala nyayo za mtume wake mkuu, Paul. Mwisho, baada ya kuonyesha kwamba kuuliza malipo ya kidunia kwa huduma za kiroho bila kukiuka haki, anatuambia juu ya mwenendo wake katika jambo hilo kwa maneno haya:
"Sijatamani fedha au dhahabu ya mtu au mavazi. Ndio, mnajua wenyewe kuwa mikono yangu hii imetumika kwa mahitaji yangu, na kwa wale ambao walikuwa pamoja nami. Nimewaonyesha mambo yote jinsi ya kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Wasaidie wanyonge, na ukumbuke maneno ya Bwana wetu Yesu, jinsi alivyosema, Ni heri kutoa kuliko kupokea. " Matendo 20: 33-35
 
"Hatujatumia haki hii [juu yenu kuhitaji vitu vya kidunia badala ya kiroho]; lakini tunabeba vitu vyote ili tusipate kizuizi kwa injili ya Kristo." (1 Kor. 9:12) "Wakati nilipokuwapo pamoja nanyi na kutaka, sikuwa na jukumu la mtu yeyote; kwa maana yale yalikuwa yakipungukiwa na ndugu waliokuja kutoka Makedonia [kwa hiari]." 2 Kor. 11: 9
 
Ukombozi wetu ni sawa na ile ya mitume kwa njia hizi; na uaminifu kwa sababu inapaswa kutuongoza kufuata nyayo zao katika hili kama katika mambo yote. Bwana, mitume, na washirika wao, waliosafiri na kutoa wakati wao wote kwa huduma ya ukweli, walikubali michango ya hiari kutoka kwa ndugu ili kufikia gharama zao; na, kama tayari imeonyesha, kuwekewa kwa mikono ya Kanisa la Antiokia kwa Paulo na Barnaba, walipokuwa karibu kuanza safari yao ya kwanza ya umishonari, inaonekana kuwa ilimaanisha kuwa Kanisa lilikuwa na jukumu la gharama zao, na kushiriki sawasawa katika kazi yao.
 
Hakuna ujamaa, moja kwa moja au wa moja kwa moja, kwamba wazee wanaotumikia Kanisa nyumbani walipokea ama mshahara au pesa za gharama; na tunaamini kwamba kwa ujumla itakuwa kupatikana kwa faida kwa kila Kanisa la mtaa kutumia huduma za hiari za washiriki wake-wachache au wengi, wakubwa au wasio na maana. Njia hii ya Kimaandiko ni ya afya ya kiroho: inaelekea kuwavutia washiriki wote katika utumiaji wa zawadi zao za kiroho, na inawaongoza wote kumtazama zaidi Bwana kama Mchungaji halisi, kuliko njia ya kukodisha. Kadiri idadi ya waalimu wanaohitimu inavyoongezeka, wacha mfano wa Kanisa la Antiokia waiga- wacha wengine watumiwe kama wamishonari, wakopeshaji, wasafiri, n.k.
 
Walakini, ikiwa mkutano wowote unazingatia kuwa uwanja wake wa faida ni mkubwa na kwamba ndugu anaweza kutoa faida wakati wake wote kuutumikia na kufanya kazi ya misheni, na ikiwa kwa hiari yao wanampa zabuni pesa za kutosha kwa gharama yake, tunajua hapana Andiko ambalo lingekataa kukubalika kwake. Lakini Wazee wanaotumikia na Mukristo anayesaidia wanapaswa kuhakikisha kuwa pesa zilizotolewa sio zaidi ya gharama nzuri za kuishi kwa mtumwa na wale wanaomtegemea ipasavyo. Na wote wawili wanapaswa kuona pia kwamba washiriki wote wa Eklesia wanapaswa kutekelezwa, na haswa kama vile wana sifa za ukuhani; la sivyo roho ya Babeli, ukiritimba, itakuwa na hakika ya kukuza.
 
 
 
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